Southern Sweet Potato Pie

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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Southern Sweet Potato Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of comfort food with its velvety texture and warm spices. This pie, with its rich history, is a staple in Southern kitchens, especially around the holidays, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a good homemade treat.

Ingredients for Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Mashed sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing a natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy base. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to add depth and enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. Unsalted butter brings richness and moisture to the pie filling. We use eggs to bind everything together, ensuring the pie sets perfectly. Evaporated milk gives the pie its creamy texture without making it too heavy. A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma, while ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg provide that unmistakable warmth and spice. A pinch of salt balances all the flavors, and an unbaked 9-inch pie crust acts as the perfect vessel, holding all that delicious filling.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. You can bake or boil them until tender before mashing.
  • For a smoother filling, use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • If your pie crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. It also makes a great addition to a holiday dessert table alongside pecan pie or pumpkin pie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones will give you the best flavor and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and start by combining your mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix until it's all well combined. Next, pour in the melted butter and stir in the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

Now, it's time to add the spices. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Once that's done, carefully pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, making sure it's nice and even.

With your pie ready to go, place it on the center rack of your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. You'll know it's done when the pie is set and the edges have turned a lovely golden brown. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before serving. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the pie to set completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Southern flavor that's perfect for family gatherings.
  • Simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
  • The perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • Rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Easy to make, even for beginners.

Ingredients

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Stir in the melted butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt, mixing until well incorporated.
5. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the pie is set and the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool the pie on a wire rack before serving.

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